Key facts
English language requirements
Overall IELTS score of 7 with no band less than 7. More information is available at www.ielts.org
Duration
2 years full-time
Locations
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) prepares you for professional practice as a registered psychologist. Make a profound impact on patients’ lives by diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, and set yourself up for further training in a specialised area, which can lead to area of practice endorsement.
You have worked hard to get to this point. Ready to gain general registration as a psychologist and reach your full potential?
For those seeking general registration as a psychologist, the Master of Psychology (Clinical) is where you might finish your study journey. Upon graduation, you’ll have the skills, experience and qualifications needed to apply to the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) for general registration. With this in mind, the course is designed to prepare you for the transition from student to professional psychologist. It’s also accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), making it a degree that’s sought-after by employers across the industry.
The course also provides a pathway to further training in order to gain area of practice endorsement with the PsyBA. An endorsement demonstrates a registered psychologist’s high-level knowledge and qualifications in a specialised area, such as clinical psychology or neuropsychology, and can open the door to more advanced roles.
Our clinical psychology teaching team was awarded a Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence award, and our award-winning teaching strategies and learning resources include simulation and competency-based assessment approaches.
Draw on everything you’ve learned in your studies, and add layers of new knowledge to become an expert in your field.
Some of the key areas you’ll study include:
- advanced clinical assessment
- psychological intervention
- the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions
- advanced clinical research methods
- biological and neuropsychological perspectives on disorder
- issues in professional psychology.
The course exposes you to the many different aspects of clinical psychology, beyond just professional practice. Graduate as a confident, well-rounded psychology professional with training in research, teaching and supervision, program development and evaluation, public policy, and mental health promotion. Tying all of these study areas together is a common thread of evidence-based practice. To create a degree that’s truly evidence-led, we’ve designed the course in consultation with industry partners, ensuring the latest theoretical principles, established knowledge and industry research is embedded within the curriculum.
The extensive practical experience you will gain throughout the course will make your transition into life as a professional psychologist even smoother. Practical learning opportunities allow you to apply your knowledge and skills with real patients in real clinics – invaluable preparation for the challenges of your future career. As a student in our clinical training program, you can work alongside established professionals through some of our key partnerships which are in public and primary mental health through our key partnerships (in particular Barwon Health). These experiences help to prepare you for what lies ahead, they help you to build your professional identity and create networks that support your career development.
Entry into the Master of Psychology (Clinical) is competitive. That’s because Deakin is ranked in the top 1% worldwide for psychology^, and leads all Victorian universities for education experience~, learning resources and support services#. If you want to join a high-achieving group of students with a shared passion for exploring the human mind and helping others, the Master of Psychology (Clinical) is the course to take your career forward.
Learn more about your career options in psychology.
^QS rankings
~Student Experience Survey 2017, 2018
#Compared university comparison tool compared.edu.au/compare/study-areas
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of Psychology (Clinical)
- Year
2023 course information
- Deakin code
- H750
- CRICOS code?
- 060023G Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong)
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Approval status
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Psychology (Clinical) students must attain 16 credit points covering three strands: theory, research and practice. Students will complete a minimum of 4 credit points each trimester over two years. All units are core (these are compulsory).
All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete HAI010 Academic Integrity in their first trimester of study (0 credit point compulsory unit).
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here for more information.
Core units
Level 1 - Trimester 1
Level 1 - Trimester 2
Level 2 - Trimester 1
Level 2 - Trimester 2
Note: Consistent with a developmental approach, there is a prescribed sequence for coursework and placement units such that successful completion of earlier units is required to enrol in later units. Specific information regarding pre-requisites are described in the individual Unit Guides.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waterfront (Geelong)
Additional course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Mandatory student checks
In accordance with Department of Human Services policy, all students are required to undertake a National Police Record Check prior to clinical placements in each calendar year of their course.
In accordance with the Department of Justice 2007, Working with Children Act 2005, amended 2017, all students are required to undertake a Working with Children Check at the commencement of their course. Students who fail to obtain a Police Record Check and a Working with Children Check prior to the commencement of clinical placement will not be able to undertake clinical placement and this will impede progress in the course.
Students may also be required to declare their immunisation status to satisfy the requirements of health organisations where they will be undertaking their clinical learning experience. A health organisation may refuse to accept a student for placement if the student’s immunisation status is not satisfactory to the health organisation.
Under the regulations of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009, Master of Psychology students are required to be provisionally registered from the commencement of enrolment and for the duration of enrolment in their degree. This is a mandatory requirement. Students should apply online for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia as soon as they have been accepted into the degree. Alternatively, a paper form is available on the Board’s website (see Application for provisional registration - APRO-76).
Workload
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) is a full-time course and as such, it requires a full-time commitment from students. Nevertheless, it is recognised that many students will need to work to support themselves for the duration of their study. Students are advised that working over and above 8 hours per week is likely to impact their progress through the course.
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) program is a multi-campus program across Deakin Burwood (Melbourne) and Deakin Waterfront (Geelong). The face-to-face coursework component is predominantly held at the Burwood Campus in a purpose built clinical teaching facility. Some teaching will be held in Geelong including some full-day clinical teaching workshops while other aspects of the teaching and learning occurs in the online environment. As part of their placement program, trainees will engage in placements in key partnerships across Barwon Health and metropolitan Melbourne as well as rural and regional placement opportunities.
Participation requirements
Students are required to complete 3 compulsory clinical placements of 2-3 days per week for approximately 20-25 weeks. These placements include at least one placement in the Barwon region.
Placement can occur at any time, including during the standard holiday breaks listed here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/courses/key-dates.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
Placement program
The clinical placements are designed to equip students with a range of professional skills and an awareness of professional issues. Students will benefit from Deakin’s key placement partnerships including Barwon Health and other organisations to ensure they gain experience of across child, adolescent and adult populations. The placement program will be determined jointly by the student, the placement coordinators, and the course leadership team. Each placement requires the full complement of days to be completed. Failure of any one placement may result in exclusion from the course.
Entry requirements
Entry information
The prerequisite for entry to the course is the completion of a four-year sequence of study in an accredited psychology program which meets national registration requirements and eligibility for Associate Membership of the APS, or equivalent. The four-year sequence may be either an honours program or the combination of a three-year undergraduate degree including a psychology major and an approved postgraduate program. International applicants will need to have their qualifications assessed by APAC to determine if the applicants qualifications are comparable to an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) sequence of study in psychology. Further information regarding international qualification assessment can be found at https://www.psychology.org.au/About-Us/What-we-do/Assessing-overseas-qualifications
Entry will be competitive, based on academic results, referees' reports, relevant work experience, personal statement and interview before a panel of school selection staff. It would normally be expected that applicants will have achieved a minimum honours grade of 2A or equivalent. Relevant professional experience will be a factor in selection.
Applicants should provide certified copies of academic transcripts from all previous tertiary studies undertaken, resume and personal statement.
International students must have an overall IELTS score of 7 with no band less than 7.
Applicants must provide two academic referee reports. Information on how to obtain and share references can be found in the checklist (pdf) in the ‘Apply now’ section below. Preferred referees include 4th year supervisors and course directors from the applicant’s university, however we will also consider other academic referees with working relationships with the applicant within the area of psychology and professional/personal referees. Applicants are not required to include referee information through the Deakin University direct application portal.
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories. To be eligible for admission to this program, applicants must meet the course requirements.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
Please note: meeting minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into this program is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of Prior Learning.
Your Recognition of Prior Learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
Applications must be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
For information on the application process and closing dates, see checklist (PDF, 191.0KB) and how to apply web page. Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.
Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.
Entry pathways
Master of Psychology (Clinical) students who wish to enrol in the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) program can apply in the usual manner for entry into the D Psych (Clinical) course at the end of the first year of the M Psych (Clinical), competing with newly applying D Psych (Clinical) students. They must also successfully undertake a Doctoral level thesis confirmation. Successful students will receive Recognition of Prior Learning for all comparable units completed thus far allowing direct entry into the second year of the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical).
Careers
Career outcomes
Upon successfully completing the course, you will become eligible to apply for general registration as a psychologist. Once you’re registered, you’ll have the qualifications and experience needed to practise as a psychologist.
The course also provides a pathway to further training in order to gain area of practice endorsement with the PsyBA (Clinical Psychology). An endorsement demonstrates a registered psychologist’s high-level knowledge and qualifications in a specialised area, such as clinical psychology or neuropsychology, and can open the door to more advanced roles.
Professional recognition
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), and recognised by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and its College of Clinical Psychologists. Graduates of the course will be eligible to apply to the PsyBA for general registration as a psychologist and to the APS for full membership.
If you’re seeking membership of the clinical college of the APS and endorsement by the PsyBA as a clinical psychologist, a further two years of approved supervised practice is required. Visit psychology.org.au for more details.
Note: This course is currently accredited at the date of publishing. The eligibility of students for registration by the PsyBA, and for membership of the APS and its clinical college is subject to meeting the requirements of the regulatory body and the professional association. Deakin University makes no representation that students will meet those requirements.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Display an advanced and integrated knowledge of psychopathology and the theoretical principles underlying the practice of clinical psychology, with respect to evidence-based practice of assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention across the lifespan. |
| Communication | Compose clearly written case reports; demonstrate effective verbal and interpersonal communication skills using appropriate language to communicate with specialists and non-specialists such as other health professionals, clients and carers within a range of professional settings. |
| Digital literacy | Expert use of appropriate technologies to collect relevant discipline-specific information; assemble, evaluate, justify and integrate this information to formulate appropriate hypotheses, assessment and treatment approaches and disseminate this information to clients and health professionals. |
| Critical thinking | Skills in the design and conduct of research; and critically evaluate, synthesise and integrate complex scientific evidence, transform this information into case formulations, assessment, interventions and policy that demonstrate evidence-based professional practice in the field of clinical psychology. |
| Problem solving | Skills to analyse theoretical frameworks and adapt knowledge and skills from psychological, biological and medical fields to design multiple, creative assessment and treatment approaches tailored to meet the needs of diverse client presentations. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate ethical and professional practice, showing personal autonomy, accountability, good judgment and reflective practice in all areas of psychological and professional work and scholarship. |
| Teamwork | Develop, maintain and manage professional, ethical and collaborative relationships with multidisciplinary team members and stakeholders to work effectively together in the best interest of the client and the profession. |
| Global citizenship | Demonstrate, report and apply ethical, legal and professional principles to work productively as a clinical psychologist within diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts by collaborating and communicating in a self-reflective and culturally sensitive manner. |
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